Brendan Sodikoff (Gilt Bar, Doughnut Vault, Maude's Liquor Bar) has plans to open Au Cheval, a retro diner in a former gyros joint, with the goal of eventually opening 24 hours a day. And, in our mind, any time is a good time for fried, made-in-house bologna sandwiches and house-made knackwurst with spätzle. As if that's not enough, Sodikoff also plans to open Bavette's Bar & Boeuf at 218 W. Kinzie St. this winter. Au Cheval, 800 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607, phone not available.

Ryan Poli's Tavernita and pintxo bar, Barcito, are among the anticipated openings of late. With options like chipotle-laced steak tartare with cucumbers, red onions and crème fraîche at the former and Iberico lardo at the latter, it's easy to see why. Tavernita, 151 W. Erie St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-274-1111.

"Check, Please!" host Alpana Singh plans to open wine-centric The Boarding House in the former Cairo space, which was once --- you guessed it --- a former boarding house. Expect the throwback menu to drop sometime this summer. The Boarding House, 720 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654, phone not available.

Phil Rubino (Cafe des Architectes, Bin 36, as well as ex-chef at ill-fated Black Sheep) will be the exec chef at John des Rosiers' Moderno, a regional Italian restaurant in Highland Park, set to open in May. Moderno, 1850 Second St., Highland Park, IL 60035, 847-433-8600.

Thomas Lents, a world-wise vet who worked under Jean Joho and Joël Robuchon, has assumed the role of executive chef at fine dining Sixteen, where he'll craft meticulous dishes from schmancy local and international ingredients. Sixteen, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, 401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-588-8030.

The word is Rodelio Aglibot (Sunda) has plans for the Aja space in the Dana Hotel and Spa, where he'll consult on a new, yet undisclosed, concept. For the time being, Ariel Bagadiong remains in the kitchen. Aja, Dana Hotel & Spa, 660 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-202-6050.